In this engaging conversation, Jennifer and Alicia Cook explore the profound impact of writing on mental health, addiction, and grief. Alicia shares her journey of using poetry as a means to process her experiences and connect with others. They discuss the importance of authenticity in creative work, the balance between vulnerability and privacy, and the role of music in enhancing the poetic experience. Alicia also reflects on her future projects and the significance of community in the creative process.  They also talk about the importance of remaining authentic to your craft and understanding why we show up as creative, and how that is helpful to our own experience, and how that connects to our audience